This program is taken from the Sistine Chapel manuscripts of
the first third of the 16th century. This was perhaps the most
elaborate period in the history of the Vatican and the Papacy, and
the grandiosity of the works reflects that accordingly. Frequent
comparison is made to Michelangelo, for instance, in the discussion
accompanying the present program.

The Lamentations setting
of Genet (called "Carpentras") was some of the most
ubiquitous Vatican music of the period, performed for every Holy
Week until 1587. The work of Festa is
also connected especially strongly to the Vatican, and of course
Josquin Desprez was the most-represented
composer in polyphony manuscripts of the period. The program as
a whole represents some of the variety available, including noted
composers Mouton and
Willaert.

This is an extremely impressive production to inaugurate the
Glissando label, done in conjunction with a German exhibition on
culture in the Vatican during these years. The quality of the
paper, the engineering and the graphic design are among the best
available.